2021 Favorite Movies
This year I watched a total of 70 new movies and revisited many more classics. After delays due to the pandemic, many of my most anticipated films of 2020 were pushed to this year. 2021 offered a brilliant year for my favorite art form. These movies are not necessarily the “Best” films of the year but are the ones that made the most impact on me. There are still four movies I haven’t watched this year which I believe might make it to my top ten including Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, Chloe Zhao’s Eternals, and Norway’s submission of Best International Feature, The Worst Person in the World. Therefore, this list may be updated as the award season approaches.
Honorable Mentions:
Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (Warner Bros), Swan Song (Apple), The Rescue (National Geographic), No Time To Die (MGM)
10. Little Fish
Little Fish is a film few people know, but it perfectly reflects the world we live in today. In the film, Emma and Jude fight to save their relationship while a memory loss virus threatens to erase everything they know. While the fictional pandemic is very different from the one we face today, the interactions between the characters reflect the feelings and panic we shared as a society. The film urges us to hold on tightly to those we love as nothing in this world is permanent, especially when terrifying dangers are looming. Little Fish was a small production shot on a low budget, but elevated by the heartfelt performances of Olivia Cooke and Jack O’Connell. I am usually not a huge fan of romantic dramas, but Little Fish left a deep impression.
9. Free Guy
A movie about a random video game NPC should not be this good. Even though “Free City” is not a real game, it draws inspiration of shooters and RPGs like GTA. From its premise Free Guy feels like Truman Show meets Ready Player One. But in this film, we see more of the real world, and how the characters between these two worlds interact. Jodie Comer is the stand out of the film, giving a great performance as both the real life Millie, and her avatar Molotov Girl. Free Guy is a mindless comedy filled with explosions, insane characters, and yet has a sweet ending. The film is also filled with easter eggs and features one of the best movie cameos ever. Free Guy is the biggest surprise of the year.
8. Cruella
I’ll admit, Emma Stone is my favorite actress, so Cruella’s placement on this list is biased. I looked forward to it for a long time but went into the theater worried thanks to Disney’s recent poor live-action track record. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. Cruella is “Devil Wears Prada” meets Harley Quinn. The costumes and production design alone are breathtaking to look at on the big screen. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson absolutely take control of their characters. When they share the screen, there is no dull moment. In some ways, Cruella does feel a little limited as a Disney film. Cruella DeVil can create some great R-Rated carnage, but the film still exceeded all expectations. As a Disney film that should still appeal to children, some of its creative choices can be forgiven.
7. In The Heights
In the Heights has its flaws. The cinematography is plain, the direction is questionable at times, the editing is rough and the CGI is very noticeable. In every aspect, In the Heights is not as powerful as “La La Land,” another musical about dreams. But overall, these technical details do not take away the smile from my face after watching the film. The musical numbers and dance performances give off lively energy unparalleled in any other movie this year. Even though I cannot relate to the culture or understand Spanish, I can’t help but want to sing or dance along to the beat. After watching the film, I had the soundtrack on loop for at least a few months. It still does not get old. The film reminds me of my days in New York City, chasing my dream. I have yet to see Spielberg’s West Side Story yet, but I am very curious to see how these two Broadway adaptations will compare.
6. Dune
Dune is a science fiction epic that not everyone will enjoy. It is a slow-paced film centered on building the world of Arrakis, the mythology, and the complex character relationships. Director Denis Villeneuve admitted that Dune is only the beginning of the entire story, so it does not come as a surprise when some viewers walk out of the theater disappointed. The movie ends before the story even begins, and it may feel like a long dry three hours at the cinema for a casual viewer. However, Dune is a masterfully shot and acted film. The scale and scope are beyond anything released in recent years. Every frame is a piece of art. Dune was made for the biggest screen, immersing the audience into this extraordinary world. Dune Part 2 has now been officially announced and if the scale, performance, and direction are on the level Part 1, more people will appreciate this masterpiece. With that being said, if Dune was a complete story, it would definitely be the top three on this list.
5. Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang Chi is historical to the overseas Asian community. Tony Leung shines in his first US production while Simu Liu gives a great performance in his first movie role. The action and fight sequences are so well choreographed it was like watching an elegant dance and intense combat at the same time. Shang Chi has by far some of my favorite action sequences in any Marvel movie. It also holds up with the best Kung Fu movies it was inspired by. Shang Chi’s story incorporates many Chinese and Asian elements. Even though not executed perfectly, it is still heartwarming to see these elements on the big screen. Surprisingly, more than a third of the film was in Mandarin. I respect the filmmaker’s effort to make it as authentic as possible, but the different accents of the characters make it a little awkward for anyone fluent in Mandarin. Shang Chi’s third act was by far its biggest weakness, but that does not take away from the thrilling moments throughout. This film is an example of how the journey is more important than the ending. In the end, Shang Chi was still a refreshing experience and history in the making. It is disappointing that China does not appreciate this effort.
4. The Suicide Squad
The The Suicide Squad is a loud and bloody adventure that is entertaining every single second. It is still hard to believe that the over-the-top black comedy was approved by Warner Brothers. Maybe they just want to go as far away from the dark and gritty Snyder movies as possible. Out of the three movies Margot Robbie starred as Harley Quinn, this film has by far the best rendition of the character. John Cena was also surprisingly likable as Peacemaker even though the character is anything but. The standouts of the movie however were King Shark and Ratcatcher 2. Gunn has an impeccable talent for making the audience fall in love with CGI animals. Even though there are many members in the team, Gunn makes us care deeply about every single one of them in the short two hours. Even as a mindless action flick, The Suicide Squad still has heart and some subtle social commentary. Thank you, Disney, for temporarily firing Gunn a few years ago.
3. Spider-Man: No Way Home
**!SPOILER ALERT!** If Avengers Endgame was a movie 10 years in the making, Spider-Man: No Way Home is 20 years in the making. I grew up watching the Spider-Man movies and this film gave me a chance to rewatch all 7 of them again. While it was clear that the MCU was building to an Endgame event, nobody watched the three generations of Spider-Man thinking they might share the screen someday. Even though the rumors of Andrew Garfield and Tobey McGuire returning were shared all over the internet, seeing it actually happen was still like a dream. Andrew Garfield will always be my favorite Spider-Man and I am overjoyed that he gets another shot at playing the character. William DeFoe is the other stand-out performance in the film. It is refreshing to see a villain who does not have a noble plan for the world and simply wants chaos. In the end, Spider-Man No Way Home is a celebration of the character. It not only gives Holland’s version a compelling ending but also redeems Garfield and McGuire’s versions from events in their own universe.
2. Last Night in Soho
Last Night in Soho was the most thrilling and wild cinematic experience of 2021. The film tells the story of Ellie, a fashion student who, in her dreams, gets transported into the 60s and lives the life of Sandie, an aspiring singer. Even though Edgar Wright steps away from comedy for the first time, the film still has his signature flair and style to it. The transitions between dream and reality are also seamless as Ellie and Sandie’s life starts to overlap into chaos. The colors and shots are dreamlike, putting the audience in a state of trance. Thomasin McKenzie slays her performance of Ellie, while Anya Taylor-Joy is just perfect as ever playing Sandie. The film tells the story of these two women, but it also commentates on the darkness of the entertainment industry, and how it can prey on young aspiring artists, especially women. Even though some scenes were tough to watch, the film still has a strong emotional payoff. With that being said, Last Night in Soho is a film that filmmakers will appreciate more for its clever use of practical effects. Some general viewers might say Last Night in Soho is “more style than substance,” but I respectfully disagree.
1. Tick Tick Boom
The best movie moment of the year was when I was introduced to the beautiful yet tragic story of Jonathan Larson. I am ashamed to say that before 2021, I never even heard of this man or hit Broadway show “Rent.” Nevertheless, I was hooked to the film ever since I randomly came across its trailer one day when browsing YouTube. Tick Tick Boom tells the story of Larson’s insanity, determination, and commitment towards his art. Andrew Garfield gives his career-best performance as the late musician while Lin-Manuel Miranda gives a perfect tribute in his directorial debut. Even though the lyrics of Tick Tick Boom are decades old and mostly autobiographical, the messages they send are timeless and will still resonate with many artists today. I listened to the climactic song “Louder Than Words” before watching the film, yet I still cried when Garfield sings it in the end. I can replace the name “Johnny” from Johnny Can’t Decide with “Jeffrey” and it will feel like listening to a song about my own life. Are we doing enough with our time? Should we sell out just to survive? What does it take to create something truly special that will change the world? Tick Tick Boom is not a grandiose production or a cinematic visual masterpiece, but that does not matter. It tells a story grounded in reality, and it came into my life at exactly the right time. This is a film that will live with me for years to come.
